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FALL GUIDE 2008 - FILM

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Hands down, the best-known film event in town is the annual Florida Film Festival. Three years ago, the Orlando Film Festival made its debut and claimed fall as its season, coming at the heels of the then-fledgling Global Peace Film Festival, which finished its sixth annual screenings last week. All three festivals have strong identities.

OFF (Nov. 5-9): It's still reaching for a Hollywood East vision, dressed in glitz; the best reason to attend is because the tickets are free and the bookers have serious Hollywood connections — and Heather Henson's puppet films also make a debut. (www.orlandofilmfest.com)

FFF (March 27-April 5, 2009): An insider, top-notch competition of independent documentaries and features plus an international reputation and network. (www.floridafilmfestival.com)

GPFF (Sept. 22-27, 2009): This one is sticking to its mission to bring international perspectives — both humble and high-end — on the subject of peace. (www.peacefilmfest.org)

This year, a number of other independent film festivals catering to niche audiences occupy the fall calendar. Fans of bloody thrills can start the countdown for the three-day Freak Show Horror Film Festival (Oct. 17-19) tucked into the highly anticipated Spooky Empire Halloween horror convention. Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange and Heroes) and Elvira top the celebrity list, along with George Romero, who'll be celebrating the 30th anniversary reunion of Dawn of the Dead. (www.freakshowfilmfest.com)

The Gay Orlando Film Festival (Oct. 25-26) boasts a built-in audience to keep it growing (www.enzian.org). Finally, independent filmmakers and their audience head to the Brouhaha Film & Video Showcase (Dec. 6-7), now in its 17th year (www.enzian.org).

— Lindy T. Shepherd

Sept. 8-Oct. 17

Hurricane on the Bayou Documentary reveals the deterioration of the wetlands that once protected southern Louisiana (and New Orleans) from floods. Various times Thursday-Friday. Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St.; $21-$23; (407) 514-2000; www.osc.org.

Oct. 7

Por sus propios ojos Award-winning film from Argentina about students who set out to document women with family in jail, for UCF Latin American Cultural Festival. 6:15 pm Tuesday. Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland; $7-$9; (407) 629-0054; www.enzian.org.

Oct. 10-Oct. 12

Orlando Hispanic Film Festival Competitive presentation of Latin American feature films and documentaries, as well as panel discussions and other festivities. Various times Friday-Sunday. Premiere Cinemas 14 at the Fashion Square Mall, 3201 E. Colonial Drive; $8-$250; (407) 894-0599; ohfilmfestival.com.

Oct. 16-Oct. 19

Freak Show Horror Film Festival Part of Spooky Empire Screamfest 2008, indie scare-makers raise hairs, and George A. Romero gets a lifetime achievement award to honor the 30th anniversary of Dawn of the Dead. Various times Friday-Sunday. Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Drive; $25-$175; (954) 839-0585. www.freakshowfilmfest.com.

Oct. 18-Dec. 30

Grand Canyon Adventure River rafting and the majesty of this wonder of the world combine in film about conservation. 10 am-9 pm Monday-Sunday. Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St.; $21-$23; (407) 514-2000; www.osc.org.

Oct. 25-Oct. 26

Gay Orlando Film Festival Filmmakers capture the GLBT community as well as appeal to all movie fans. Various times Saturday-Sunday. Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland; $15-$50; (407) 629-0054; www.enzian.org.